Department for Transport

Department for Transport: Equality

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, who the diversity champion is on his departmental board.

Mr John Hayes: The Permanent Secretary, Philip Rutnam, is the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) corporate Diversity Champion on the Departmental Board and is accountable for the delivery of the DfT Equality Objectives. He is supported by Directors General and Agency Chief Executives, who champion the specific Protected Characteristics of sex, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy & maternity, marriage & civil partnership, transgender, and religion & belief.

Great Western Railway Line: Electrification

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the completion of the Great Western Railway's electrification scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Maynard: Network Rail is delivering the Great Western Electrification Programme to the dates set out in Sir Peter Hendy’s report published on 25 November 2015. This includes completing electrification of the Great Western Mainline to Cardiff by December 2018. For the sections of electrification due for completion in Control Period 6 (CP6) (2019-2024), including the four sections which were deferred in November 2016, delivery schedules will be agreed as part of Network Rail’s CP6 planning process.

Railway Signals

Mrs Flick Drummond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) resilience of power supply arrangements to railway signalling centres and (b) provision of back-up power supplies in the event of National Grid failures.

Paul Maynard: Network Rail, as the infrastructure provider, is best placed to assess power supply resilience. Network Rail’s signalling power supplies are treated by the National grid as a priority. As such the standard provision for signalling centres on most parts of the network including railway operating centres are classified as part of an essential services distribution board. These are backed up by a fixed diesel generator and an uninterruptible power supply.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he plans further to devolve (a) community infrastructure levy funding, (b) 100 per cent business rate growth and (c) EU legacy structural funds to the new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority after May 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Percy: Holding answer received on 09 January 2017



Together with local partners in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we have now agreed proposals for a devolution deal that would see the significant transfer of power and resources from central Government to the local area. In addition to devolving funds in areas such as economic growth, transport and skills, the deal also includes additional revenue raising powers.In October 2015, we announced that, by the end of this Parliament, local authorities will be able to keep 100% of the business rates they raise locally, including 100% of growth.The Government commissioned a review of the Community Infrastructure Levy in November 2015, which was undertaken by an independent panel who submitted their report in October. We are currently reviewing the recommendations and further announcements will be made in due course.We will consider the future of all programmes that are currently EU funded, once we have left the EU and will consult closely with stakeholders, including local authorities to review all EU funding schemes to ensure that any on-going funding commitments best serve the UK’s national interest.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Energy: Meters

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an estimate of the potential net benefit of smart meter roll-out in (a) cost savings for suppliers, (b) cost savings for consumers and (c) the transmission system; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Smart Meter Roll-out Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) published on 10 November estimates the costs and benefits for suppliers, consumers’ savings and energy networks – the document is available at:www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meter-roll-out-gb-cost-benefit-analysis.The smart meter rollout is expected to deliver significant net benefits to Great Britain, estimated overall at £5.7 billion over the lifetime of the programme.

Green Deal Scheme

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support the Government provides to people who received Green Deal finance from a company that has since gone into liquidation.

Jesse Norman: Consumers who have entered Green Deal Plans will continue to be covered by the Green Deal Framework even if their Green Deal Provider has gone into liquidation. This means that the plan repayments will continue as normal, with no disruption in service.Where consumers have a concern, they can still make any complaints to the Green Deal Ombudsman or the Financial Services Ombudsman (FOS) as appropriate, even though the Green Deal Provider is in liquidation.

Carbon Emissions

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 25 October 2016 to Question 47955, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the targeted reduction of CO2 emissions to 57 per cent of 1990 levels by 2030 is met.

Jesse Norman: The Government has already made progress towards the targeted reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030 - provisional statistics indicate that UK emissions in 2015 were 38% lower than in 1990.We are looking ahead to our emissions reduction plan which will set out how we will reduce emissions through the 2020s and so form an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Poland: Diplomatic Relations

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the strength of diplomatic relations between Poland and the UK.

Boris Johnson: Poland and the UK are close allies. As the Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) said during November’s UK-Poland intergovernmental consultations: “The relationship between Poland and the United Kingdom is important both for the prosperity and the security of our countries. And as the UK leaves the EU, I am determined to strengthen this partnership”.

Libya: Islamic State

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made on tackling Daesh in Libya.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: On 15th December 2016, I welcomed the news that Libyan forces aligned to the Government of National Accord (GNA) defeated Daesh forces in Sirte – Daesh’s most important base outside Syria and Iraq. Although the situation remains fragile, we continue to work with the GNA to help them tackle the threat posed by extremist groups.

USA: Climate Change

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions the Government has had with the incoming US administration on climate change.

Boris Johnson: I arrived back from the US on January 10th 2017, where I held a series of meetings with key figures from the incoming Administration. It was clear from my discussions that the new Administration is looking forward to working closely with us to tackle the shared challenges we face. Our ambassador and Embassy in Washington are already engaging the transition team across a range of these issues. The Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) has also spoken to President-elect Trump twice since his election, and is looking forward to visiting soon after the inauguration. The Government works regularly with the US on a range of climate and energy issues and will continue to do so.

Marshall Scholarships

Mr Alan Mak: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his future plans are for the Marshall Scholarship scheme.

Alok Sharma: The Government supports the Marshall Scholarship Programme as a key element in the special relationship between the US and the UK.We have made additional funding available to enable 40 scholars to study at UK universities from September 2017.

Islamic State: Religious Freedom

Michelle Donelan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the persecution of Christian and other religious minorities by Daesh.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We regularly receive reports of Daesh attacks on Christian and other religious minorities. We are working with partners to bring Daesh to justice. This includes working with the Government of Iraq to bring a proposal before the UN to gather and preserve evidence in Iraq as a first step.

Israel: Palestinians

Craig Tracey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of (a) trends in the level and (b) the causes of recent violence in Israel and the West Bank.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: I strongly condemn Sunday’s terrorist attack in Jerusalem which killed four Israeli soldiers. I understand the deep frustration on all sides at the lack of progress on the Middle East peace process but there can be absolutely no justification for terrorism.

Press Freedom

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote press freedom abroad.

Alok Sharma: A free and fair media is a fundamental building block for any functioning democracy, and for stability and prosperity worldwide. That understanding is integral to the UK’s international engagement, backed up by practical assistance, including through the FCO’s Magna Carta Fund, which is supporting relevant projects worth £1.3 million this year.

Cabinet Office

Elections: Fraud

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many of the recommendations made in Securing the Ballot that the Government identifies in its response to that report as requiring or likely to require primary legislation the Government plans to implement in the (a) current Parliamentary session and (b) remainder of the current Parliament.

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many of the 50 recommendations made in Securing the Ballot the Government plans to see implemented by (a) the Government or (b) other parties, including the Electoral Commission and returning officers, in time for (i) local authority elections in 2017, (ii) local authority elections in 2018, (iii) the next general election due in 2020 and (iv) elections of police and crime commissioners in 2020.

Chris Skidmore: The Government published its response to Sir Eric Pickles’ review of electoral fraud in December, and is now looking closely at how and when the work on each of the recommendations addressed in the response can be taken forward. In the coming weeks and months, the Government will work closely with the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators, the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, and other electoral administrators, in order to set out clearly the nature and timing of that work. We will look to implement the majority of Sir Eric’s recommendations either through primary and secondary legislation, or through new or reinforced guidance, as appropriate. In its response, the Government has clearly identified where the recommendations that it intends to bring forward will require primary legislation in order to be implemented.

Department for International Development

CDC

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) has (a) taken and (b) plans to take to deliver the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2014 to 2017, published on 14 December 2016; and how progress will be measured on the CDC's delivery of that plan.

Rory Stewart: The National Action Plan and accompanying Implementation Plan are intended to strengthen the UK’s ability to reduce the impact of conflict on women and girls and to promote their inclusion in conflict resolution. CDC’s investments help to address the root causes of conflict and promote stability via their impact on job creation and economic development, including for women.CDC’s Code of Responsible Investing requires it to pay specific attention to the impact on women of its investment wherever it works but CDC does not have a direct role in conflict resolution or supporting women in conflict, so the Plan is not directly applicable and CDC is not included in the Implementation Plan for the NAP.

Department for Education

Pupils: Nationality

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 10 November 2016 to Question 50659, what data from the National Pupil Database her Department shares with (a) the Home Office for immigration purposes, (b) media bodies and (c) other parties.

Nick Gibb: The National Pupil Database (NPD) is information the Department holds on pupils attending schools in England.Where the police or Home Office have clear evidence that a child may be at risk or there is evidence of criminal activity, limited data including a pupil’s name, address and school details may be requested from the National Pupil Database. It is right that we share this data if it helps to keep a child safe from harm or to disrupt a crime.For this purpose the Department has a data sharing arrangement in place with the Home Office which is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding.The Secretary of State has legal powers to share extracts of data from the NPD, under strict terms and conditions, with named bodies and third parties who, for the purpose of promoting the education or well-being of children in England, are;Conducting research or analysis;Providing statistics; orProviding information, advice or guidanceThere is no routine sharing of NPD data with media bodies. Anyone requesting data from the NPD must comply with strict confidentiality and security rules.Details of the data held in the NPD that is available for named bodies and third parties to request, and the process and guidelines for requesting data extracts, is available on gov.uk.

Schools: Buildings

Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to ensure that new and existing school building stock can adapt to rising pupil numbers.

Nick Gibb: Supporting local authorities to create sufficient school places is one of the Government’s top priorities. We have committed to invest £7 billion to create new school places between 2015 and 2021, which, along with our investment in 500 new free schools, we expect to provide 600,000 new places. £4.8 billion of this is already allocated for 2015 to 2019. Local authorities are under a statutory duty to ensure that there is a school place available for every child in their area. We allocate funding to councils based on their own estimates of the places they will need so there is no shortfall between the number of places we are funding and those that councils indicate they need to create. We expect local authorities to plan effectively and make good investment decisions, which is why we announce basic need funding allocations three and a half years in advance. The establishment of free schools are helping to ensure there are enough school places for every child. The programme is responsive to the need for pupil places and 76% of mainstream free schools opened up to September 2016 have been opened in areas where there was a need for additional school places. This programme augments money given to local authorities for new school places, providing even more new places through this central programme.

Secondary Education: Admissions

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's estimate is of the potential number of pupils in the 2017 secondary intake; and what projections they have made for future intakes in each of the next five years.

Nick Gibb: The Department produces annual pupil projections for each year by age rather than by school national curriculum year. Information about the projected number of pupils by age in secondary schools is in the underlying data of the national pupil projections statistics[1].From the most recent projections, figures for the estimated future number of pupils in secondary schools, in January of each year, who were age 11 at the start of the academic year (that is the age at which the vast majority of pupils are in year 7) are given below.   [1] Data from the 2016 national pupil projections is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-pupil-projections-july-2016 in the document called ‘Underlying data: SFR25/2016’.

Alternative Education

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her Department's most recent estimate is of the number of children not being educated in school.

Edward Timpson: The Department holds no data on children not educated in school.

Pupils: Personal Records

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many applications to extract information from the National Pupil Database were refused in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Anyone requesting data from the National Pupil Database (NPD) must comply with strict confidentiality and security rules. Details of the data held in the NPD that is available for named bodies and third parties to request, guidelines for requesting data extracts, and details of external requests authorised are all available on gov.uk.The applications to extract information from the NPD that were refused in each of the last five years including both the Department and external requests are:YearNumber of cases rejected201292013020143201562016 (up to 15th Dec)7

Pupils: Personal Records

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information the National Pupil Database holds on the (a) nationality and (b) ethnic background of pupils; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The National Pupil Database (NPD) is a powerful research database to allow accurate evaluation and assessment of ‘what works’ in education, by showing how pupils progress over time within the education system. Secure re-use of NPD where legislation, security and public good criteria support it enables rigorous independent evaluation and policy scrutiny to occur.Details of the School Census and data held in the NPD that is available for named bodies and third parties to request, and the process and guidelines for requesting data extracts, is available on gov.uk.The new data on nationality and country of origin is solely for the Department’s analysts to use for research. The new data has not and will not be held within the National Pupil Database. It has not and will not be shared with any other Government Department or external organisations. The data is provided to school by parents, this is completely optional and parents are under no obligation to provide it if they do not want to.The NPD holds data on ethnic background provided by the parents to the school, and reported by the school as part of the School Census. This data has been collected in the School Census since 2003. This data is also completely optional and parents can opt out of submitting it if they choose.

Pupils: Personal Records

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many applications to extract information from the National Pupil Database were approved in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Anyone requesting data from the National Pupil Database (NPD) must comply with strict confidentiality and security rules. Details of the data held in the NPD that is available for named bodies and third parties to request, guidelines for requesting data extracts, and details of external requests authorised are all available on gov.uk.The applications to extract information from the National Pupil Database that were approved in each of the last five years including both the Department and external requests are:YearNumber of cases approved20121882013294201431220153202016 (up to 15th Dec)250Note: Calendar year is the year that the application was fully processed and data provided to the recipient. Some cases approved each year will reflect initial applications made late in the previous year.

Grammar Schools: Disadvantaged

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many year seven pupils received free school meals in each grammar school in (a) 2014, (b) 2015 and (c) 2016.

Nick Gibb: School level data on the total number of pupils in receipt of free school meals can be found in the underlying data of the Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics statistics for 2014[1], 2015[2] and 2016[3] respectively[4].School-level data for individual years cannot be made available since the numbers involved for some of the schools would risk the identification of individual pupils.  [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2014 - click on underlying data, open the ‘SFR15_2014_school_level_pupils_UD’ file and the free school meal figures are in column EC.[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2015 - click on underlying data, open the ‘SFR16_2015_Schools_Pupils_UD’ file and the free school meal figures are in column EC.[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2016 - click on underlying data, open the ‘SFR20_2016_Schools_Pupils_UD’ file and the free school meal figures are in column EB.[4] In all three datasets, grammar schools are identified by applying the filter ‘Selective’ in the column ‘AdmissionsPolicy’ and ‘State-funded secondary’ in the column ‘Phase-type grouping’.

Schools: Admissions

Caroline Ansell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to improve the number of available places in good and outstanding schools; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: We are committed to making sure as many children as possible have a place at a good school. The latest Ofsted report clearly shows that standards have risen. Compared to 2010 almost 1.8 million more pupils are now taught in good or outstanding schools. The ‘Schools that work for everyone’ consultation sets out plans to make more good school places available, to more parents, in more parts of the country. This includes scrapping the ban on new grammar school places, and harnessing the resources and expertise of universities, independent and faith schools.

Free Schools: Admissions

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many new school places have been created in free schools rated inadequate by Ofsted in each year for which data is available; and how many free schools have been closed by her Department due to an inadequate rating by Ofsted.

Edward Timpson: There are now 345 free schools across the country. When at full capacity, they will provide over 180,000 new school places. Over a quarter of free schools inspected so far by Ofsted have been rated outstanding compared to just over a fifth of all state schools.The table below provides the total capacity (as set out in funding agreements available at https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/) of the schools judged to be inadequate by Ofsted at the end of each academic year since inspections began. The majority of the schools were in the process of building up to their full capacity at the point of inspection. The Department intervenes promptly when poor standards are identified and has closed three free schools as a result of an inadequate Ofsted judgement. End of academic yearNumber of places when at full capacity2012/131122013/142,5402014/153,6312015/163,065

Schools: Closures

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2016 to Question 55973, on school closures, whether the guidance her Department gives to academies on school closure consultations includes advice on pausing such consultations.

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2016 to Question 55973, on school closures, on how many occasions a school closure consultation has been paused and that school subsequently closed down completely since 2015.

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 8 December 2016 to Question 55973, on school closures, for what reasons she would deem it necessary to pause a school closure consultation.

Nick Gibb: The Department’s guidance on consultation sets out the minimum periods for which local authorities and academy trusts must consult, where school closure is proposed, but it does not mention pausing a consultation.Consultation on a proposal to close a school is undertaken locally either by the local authority or the academy trust to allow those directly affected by the proposals to provide their comments.It is up to the local authority or academy trust to decide whether a consultation needs to be paused. The Department does not record or hold this information centrally.

Universities: Sexual Harassment

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the merits of launching an inquiry into the levels of staff-to-student sexual harassment in universities.

Joseph Johnson: This Government takes any form of violence and sexual harassment in universities seriously. In November 2015, Universities UK was asked by Government to convene a sexual violence and harassment taskforce. The Taskforce reported its findings in October 2016 in the report ‘Changing the Culture’, which can be found on their website at: http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-and-analysis/reports/Documents/2016/changing-the-culture.pdfThe Taskforce made a series of recommendations to universities on preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual violence and hate crime in universities. Staff to student harassment and sexual abuse is covered as part of the institution-wide response recommendation, which applies to staff as well as students. Universities UK plan to establish more baseline evidence on this issue and report later this year.

Church Commissioners

Churches: Blackburn

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, (a) what steps the Diocese of Blackburn has taken to work with Caring for God's Acre to map flora and fauna on its Estate, (b) which churches in the Diocese of Blackburn have recorded flora and fauna in churchyards, (c) what notable finds of flora and fauna have been recorded and (d) what plans the Diocese of Blackburn has to take part in the Cherishing Churchyards Week from 3 June to 11 June 2017.

Dame Caroline Spelman: A) The Blackburn Diocese Environment Group are currently in the process of deciding what the future role of the Diocesan Environmental Project Officer will look like. The Diocese of Blackburn has discussed working with ‘Caring for God’s Acre’ and with the current limited resources, the Diocesan Environment Group hopes to undertake a ‘Living Churchyards’ scheme. They are currently exploring the potential of partnership with the local Wildlife Trust and any project will need funding or sponsorship to get underway. The Diocese of Blackburn is fully committed to supporting enquiries into parish energy consumption and to the international ‘Just Water’ campaign.B & C) The Diocese does not hold central records of which Churches have recorded notable flora and fauna in their churchyards, this is more likely to be held locally within parishes, the local Wildlife Trusts and Natural England. If funding can be found for the ‘Living Churchyards’ project a more strategic plan can be produced.D) The Blackburn Diocese Environment Group plans to encourage individual parishes that have the capacity to participate in Cherishing Churchyards 2017, and hopes to take a more coordinated approach in 2018. Across the Blackburn Diocese work is often undertaken in partnership and so the Diocese would want any project to also involve the land of other faith communities.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Equality

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who the diversity champion is on her departmental board.

Matt Hancock: Sue Owen, The Permanent Secretary at DCMS is the lead Civil Service Diversity Champion, and for the department.

Television: Licensing

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of portable television licences for people living in multiple accommodation.

Matt Hancock: We have made no assessment of the potential merits of a portable television licence for people living in multiple accommodation.

Department for Work and Pensions

Department for Work and Pensions: Equality

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who the diversity champion is on his departmental board.

Caroline Nokes: All Executive Members of the Departmental Board have a Diversity Champion role as follows: Champion of Champions: Sir Robert Devereux KCB (Permanent Secretary)Social Mobility: Andrew Rhodes (Director General, Operations)Age: Peter Schofield (Director General, Finance Group)Gender: Mayank Prakash (Director General, Digital Group) Additionally, the following members of the Department’s Executive Team have Diversity Champion roles as follows: Sexual Orientation and Transgender: Jeremy Moore (Director General, Strategy, Policy and Analysis Group)Disability, Health and Wellbeing: Debbie Alder (Director General, Human Resources)Race: Neil Couling (Director General, Universal Credit)

Food Poverty

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has been made of recent trends in the level of food poverty in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Hinds: Holding answer received on 09 January 2017



The Government measures poverty using information from the Household Below Average Income Survey. The survey from 2014/15 shows that:Average incomes have grown in 2015 (2014/15) at their fastest rate since 2002 (2001/02).Since 2010 (2009/10) there are: o 100,000 fewer children in relative poverty;o 200,000 fewer children in absolute poverty. The latest survey can be accessed from the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/households-below-average-income-199495-to-201415

Means-tested Benefits

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the (a) number and (b) value of recoverable hardship payments awarded is.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total value is of (a) amounts recovered from claimants as recoverable hardship payments and (b) recoverable hardship payments written off due to the recipient being in 26 weeks of continuous qualifying employment in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Damian Hinds: The information requested is not available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Department for Work and Pensions: iNHouse Communications

Melanie Onn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department is in communication with iNHouse Communications Ltd in relation to any ongoing commercial tender process.

Caroline Nokes: There have been no communications with this company with regard to any tender process.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of how many people in the disabled working-age population in the Glasgow South constituency are using services at (a) Castlemilk and (b) Langside jobcentres.

Damian Hinds: This information requested is not available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many of his Department's staff are expected to be relocated as a result of proposed jobcentre closures in Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: After 20 years, the PFI contract covering the majority of the department’s buildings expires on 31 March 2018. This gives the department a once in a generation opportunity to review what offices it needs. The department has around 900 offices. It needs to make better use of the space it occupies and reduce the amount of empty space that it has, reducing overall estate costs. The department is committed to retaining an accessible jobcentre network and continuing to serve customers in all areas of the country. Increasingly, our customers access many of our services on-line. We tailor our service so that face-to-face contact can be focused on those who need extra support from us. This exercise is not about reducing headcount, it is about the buildings the department works in. Approximately 260 DWP members of staff are expected to be relocated as a result of proposed jobcentre closures in Glasgow.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on which date a Minister of his Department last visited Bridgeton Jobcentre Plus in Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: There is no record of any visits to Bridgeton Jobcentre Plus.

Housing Benefit: Supported Housing

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will review his Department's plans to cap housing benefit for those in supported housing in line with local housing allowance.

Caroline Nokes: As announced by the Secretary of State on 21 November 2016, the proposals for the future funding of supported housing are currently subject to public consultation. The consultation document was published on 21 November 2016 and closes on 13 February 2017.

Social Security Benefits: Children

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2016 to Question 56948, if his Department will meet the PCS union in January 2017 to discuss social security benefits for children.

Damian Hinds: The Department is willing to meet with the PCS if they request it.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed jobcentre closures in Glasgow on levels of deprivation in (a) Glasgow South constituency and (b) the city of Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: Following the initial announcement we undertake a site level Equality Analysis, which covers both customers and colleagues, to enable us to pay due regard to people impacted by the change who have a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. In addition, the number of staff supporting customers isn’t decreasing. Our proposal means we will be able to deliver enhanced services by bringing together some neighbouring jobcentres in Glasgow where we can achieve access to more employers and partners. Increasingly, our customers access many of our services on-line. This includes claiming benefits, looking for jobs and keeping us informed of their efforts to find work. We tailor our service so that face-to-face contact can be focused on those who need extra support from us. We have also agreed that where the distance from the current location to the proposed alternative jobcentre is over three miles or 20 minutes away by public transport, we are undertaking a public consultation to inform our final decisions on closure and alternative service delivery options. We started this consultation on 7 December 2016 which includes information on the gov.uk website. The consultation will close on 31 January 2017. Finally, employment is not just a DWP agenda and we will continue to work with Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Government, local authorities and other partner organisations to provide access to employment opportunities.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions he has had with third sector organisations on the proposed jobcentre closures in Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: We are committed to continuing to serve people in all areas of the country to make sure that they can continue to access the services they need. We started a consultation process for the proposed closure of some Glasgow jobcentres on 7 December 2016 and have posted information on the Gov.uk website. The consultation will close on 31 January 2017. We will explain what any changes will mean for people using our services nearer to any agreed moves.

National Insurance: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many national insurance numbers have been issued by jobcentres in (a) Castlemilk and (b) Langside in the last 12 months.

Caroline Nokes: No national insurance numbers have been issued by Jobcentres in Castlemilk and Langside in the past 12 months.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to provide an equality impact assessment in relation to the proposed jobcentre closures in Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: We will be undertaking an equality analysis as part of the detailed planning for service reconfiguration. This will include feedback from public consultation in those locations where this applies.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to meet with representatives of the eight jobcentres in Glasgow earmarked for closure before his Department's public consultation ends on 31 January 2017.

Damian Hinds: In relation to elected representatives, the Minister for employment wrote to the elected representatives from Glasgow on 7 December to inform them of the proposals and subsequently met with them on Thursday 15th December to discuss plans and hear views to ensure final proposals offer the best service possible for the people of Glasgow. On 20th December the Minister for Employment attended a Westminster Hall Debate on the proposals. In terms of staff representation, this will be twofold, firstly via the affiliated Departmental Trade Unions and secondly, staff will have the opportunity to participate in 1-2-1 discussions with their managers. These conversations are already underway. Representatives from local organisations can choose to respond to the proposals by participating in the consultation process, details of which are available on gov.uk and this will be open until 31 January 2016. Additionally, they may chose to respond when engaging in normal partnership activities.

Social Security Benefits: Hounslow

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of claimants affected by the lower benefit caps in Hounslow are in receipt of (a) jobseeker's allowance, (b) employment and support allowance, (c) income support, (d) another benefit and (e) housing benefit alone.

Caroline Nokes: The information is provided in the table below. Estimated breakdown of households affected by the lower cap levels by benefit receipt, 2016/17Benefit ReceivedProportion of capped householdsHounslow, (London borough of)Employment and Support Allowance18%Income Support46%Jobseeker's Allowance20%Other16%Housing Benefit Only0%Total100% These estimates focus on the benefit cap continuing to be applied under Housing Benefit. The benefit cap will increasingly be applied under Universal Credit as it gradually rolls out. Universal Credit will replace Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit, along with Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Notes:Figures may not sum due to rounding.Estimates assume no behavioural responses - any behavioural responses to the lower cap, such as claimants moving into employment, would cause the number of households affected to reduce and may change the proportional split.The methodology used to estimate the households affected by the cap is consistent with that described in the latest impact assessment published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/welfare-reform-and-work-act-impact-assessment-for-the-benefit-cap

Universal Credit: Telephone Services

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what instructions are given to staff working on the universal credit enquiry lines on protocols concerning the disclosure of personal data to third parties who have implicit consent from the claimant.

Damian Hinds: In Universal Credit Live service, as the claimant does not have access to the claim information themselves via an online account, we have implied consent arrangements in place so that someone can act on a claimants behalf. In Universal Credit Full Service, the online account allows claimant’s access to their information - a claimant can specify explicit consent at any time via the online account or on the phone, so an advocate can enquire on their behalf. Instructions to operational staff reflect these arrangements.

Supported Housing

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that funding is provided to older people and other vulnerable people so that those people can access adequate supported housing.

Caroline Nokes: In his Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons on 15th September 2016 the Secretary of State confirmed that the new funding model will ensure that the supported housing sector will be funded at the same level it would have otherwise been in 2019/20, taking into account the effect of Government policy on social sector rents.An online consultation on this new model seeking the views of the sector was launched on 21st November 2016 and will run until 13th February 2017 and can be accessed from the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/funding-for-supported-housing

Housing Benefit: Supported Housing

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of the housing benefit cap on the affordability of housing for claimants living in supported housing.

Caroline Nokes: In his Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons on 15th September 2016 the Secretary of State confirmed that the Government was committed to protecting and boosting the supply of supported housing and ensuring it provides value for money and works for those who use it as well as those who pay for it.

Ministry of Defence

Yemen: Armed Conflict

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his comments on the Andrew Marr BBC TV programme on 11 December 2016, on Yemen, what the evidential basis is for his statement that Houthis in Yemen are supported by al-Qaeda.

Sir Michael Fallon: Terrorist organisations such as AQ and Daesh prosper in ungoverned environments where they have the freedom to develop their capabilities. This remains a particular concern in Yemen where AQAP are benefitting from the continued instability that results from Houthi aggression.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what ammunition his Department plans to use for the Semi-Armour-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer round for the F35B Lightning II gun.

Harriett Baldwin: The Ministry of Defence has not yet confirmed which ammunition it might use for the F-35B Lightning gun.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2016 to Question 57051, what the final test point score was for the F-35B Lightning II; and what the planned such test point score was in flight sciences testing through to 30 September 2016.

Harriett Baldwin: Flight sciences testing is intended to expand the operational envelope of the F-35 incrementally and safely. As at September 2016, 74.5% of F-35B Lightning flight sciences test points had been completed for the year. This was ahead of schedule.

RFA Tiderace

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2016 to Question 57254, what the cost was to the public purse of accommodation in South Korea for the Lady Sponsor for the naming ceremony for RFA Tiderace.

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2016 to Question 56630, what the cost was to the public purse of (a) travel and (b) accommodation for the 25 members of the Armed Forces and 10 MoD civilian staff who attended the naming ceremony for RFA Tiderace.

Harriett Baldwin: Of those Armed Forces personnel and Ministry of Defence civilian staff who attended the naming ceremony for Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tiderace in December 2016, only the Chief of Materiel (Fleet) and his Military Assistant travelled to the Republic of Korea (ROK) specifically for the event. Costs of accommodation and transfers within the ROK were funded under the contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.

Imphal Barracks

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to the public purse was of refurbishing Imphal Barracks in York in order to accommodate 1st Division Headquarters.

Mark Lancaster: Work has recently started on the refurbishment of Imphal Barracks in order to accommodate 1st Division Headquarters. Work is ongoing and final costs will not be available until Financial Year 2017-18.While there is no Defence requirement for Imphal Barracks after 2031, the necessary refurbishment works represent value for money to avoid any costly repairs and to ensure the site remains safe and compliant for the occupants over the next 15 years.

Ascension Island: Aviation

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what environmental impact assessment his Department plans to undertake for the runway resurfacing project on Ascension Island; and whether that assessment will be open to stakeholder consultation.

Mark Lancaster: The Ascension Island Runway Resurfacing Project is a United States Air Force (USAF) led project and will be co-ordinated in consultation with the Ascension Island Government Conservation Department. The design and scope assessment has been contracted-out by the USAF and we are assured that all environmental considerations will be factored into this assessment. The Ministry of Defence has also provided the contractor with additional information for the environmental assessment and will continue to liaise with all stakeholders as the project develops.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a phase start for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation for the F35B Lightning II.

Harriett Baldwin: The Ministry of Defence is actively engaged in initial operational test and evaluation planning as part of a joint F-35 test team with the United States. The plan is subject to appropriate scrutiny but no decisions have been taken on a phased start to testing.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the F35B Lightning II is due to complete air-to-air instrumentation testing before the end of Block 3F testing.

Harriett Baldwin: Air-to-air range instrumentation is a test asset used on previous aircraft programmes. Instrumentation components integrated within F-35B Lightning test aircraft will be tested before initial operational test and evaluation starts. This is unrelated to Block 3F testing.

Type 31 Frigates: Exports

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2016 to Question 57632, what assessment has been made of the identity of the principal competitors for Type 31 frigates in the global export market.

Harriett Baldwin: Analysis of the global frigate market included identification of ships within the 2,000 to 6,000 tonne displacement range which are likely to be in service or developed over the next 20 years.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2016 to Question 57052, on joint strike fighter aircraft, whether he has made an assessment of the potential effect that the ending of the System Development and Demonstration programme will have on the proposed initial operating capability for the UK F-35B in 2018 upon completion of Block 3F testing.

Harriett Baldwin: The F-35 System Development and Demonstration programme is planned to conclude on completion of Block 3F testing. UK F-35B Lightning initial operating capability is scheduled to be at Block 3F standard and remains on track for 2018.

Arms Trade: Cluster Munitions

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the sale of UK-manufactured cluster bombs to non-NATO countries between 1980 and 1995.

Harriett Baldwin: UK-manufactured BL755 cluster munitions were supplied to Saudi Arabia under a government-to-government agreement signed in 1986. The final delivery against this agreement was made in 1989.

USA: Nuclear Weapons

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Third Tier arrangement between the UK and the US for responding to an accident in the UK involving US nuclear weapons was last reviewed and updated; and what the dates and locations of (a) the last and (b) the next scheduled tabletop and field exercises conducted under the auspices of that arrangement are.

Harriett Baldwin: The Third Tier Arrangement was last updated on 27 March 2014. The most recent tabletop and field exercises conducted under the auspices of the Arrangement, Exercise DIAMOND DRAGON 2015, were held in Suffolk over the period 30 June to 2 July 2015. The dates and locations of the next tabletop and field exercises are yet to be agreed.

Home Office

Undocumented Migrants: Private Rented Housing

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many referral notices were issued to landlords or agents as part of the right to rent scheme between (a) 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2016 and (b) since 1 February 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The following table contains the figures from 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2016, and from 1 February 2016 to 30 November 2016. We are not able to report on part months.The Right to Rent scheme was rolled out in parts of the West Midlands on 1 December 2014 and to the rest of England on 1 February 2016. Civil penalty referral notices are served where the Home Office finds evidence to suggest there has been a breach of the Right to Rent scheme. Not all Referral Notices result in civil penalties, as some recipients are able to demonstrate that they carried out the checks correctly, or that they are not the liable party. The scheme is not retrospective, so does not apply to tenancies which were in place before the scheme came into effect.   Table 1 - Number Referral notices issued to landlords or agents as part of the right to rent scheme between (a) 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2016 and (b) 1 February 2016 to 30 November 2016.   PeriodNotices issued01/12/2014-31/01/20163901/02/2016 - 30/11/2016152  Notes 1. This data shows the number of referral notices issued to Landlords part of the right to rent scheme between the specified period as recorded on National Operations Database (NOD).2. These statistics have been taken from a live operational database. As such, numbers may change as information on that system is updated.

Home Office: Pay

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the percentage gap in earnings is between the pay of full-time staff in the highest pay grade in her Department and average full-time pay in that Department.

Sarah Newton: As at the 31st March 2016 the percentage gap in earnings between the highest paid and median full-time pay in the Home Office expressed as a percentage of the highest paid employee earnings is 83.1%.The most recent data is published in theHome Office Annual Report (ARA) and can be found on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-annual-report-and-accounts-2015-to-2016

Home Office: Horizon 2020

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the oral contribution by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Treasury Committee on 12 December 2016, in response to Q311, who in her Department is responsible for assessing whether grant applications for Horizon 2020 funding are (a) value for money and (b) in line with Government objectives.

Sarah Newton: In response to Q311, at the Treasury Committee on Monday 12 December, the Chancellor referenced the process for EU Structural Funds rather than for Horizon 2020The Treasury will underwrite all successful bids for Horizon 2020 that are approved by the Commission, even when specific projects continue beyond the departure from the EU.Government departments will not assess Horizon 2020 grant applications – Horizon 2020 is an EU programme, independent of the UK government, and grant funding is awarded by the Commission based on peer review. UK businesses and universities should continue to bid for competitive EU funds while we remain a member of the EU, and we will work with the Commission to ensure payment when funds are awarded.

Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

Mrs Helen Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what date the Government plans to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

Sarah Newton: The Coalition Government signed the Istanbul Convention to show its strong commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, and this Government remains committed to ratifying it.In most respects, the measures already in place in the UK to protect women and girls from violence comply with or go further than the Convention requires.Further amendments to domestic law, to take extra-territorial jurisdiction over a range of offences, are necessary before the Convention can be ratified. We will seek to legislate when the approach to implementing the extra-territorial jurisdiction requirements in England and Wales is agreed and Parliamentary time allows.

Home Office: Equality

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who the diversity champion is on her departmental board.

Sarah Newton: The Home Office Executive Management Board chaired by the Permanent Secretary and made up of Director Generals and the Second Permanent Secretary have all agreed to be diversity and inclusion champions for respective protected characteristics as detailed below.Diversity Strand/ Protected CharacteristicHome Office Champion DisabilityMark Thomson, Director General, Her Majesty’s Passport Office and United Kingdom Visas and ImmigrationGenerational diversityPaul Lincoln, Director General, Crime, Policing and Fire GroupRaceMark Sedwill, Permanent Secretary, Hugh Ind (Chair of Race Board)GenderPatsy Wilkinson, Second Permanent SecretarySexual OrientationMike Parsons, Director General, Capabilities and ResourcesFaithTom Hurd, Director General, Office of Security and Counter TerrorismGender IdentitySimon Wren, Director of Communication, Communication DirectorateDiversity and Inclusion (Overview)Sir Charles Montgomery, Director General, Border ForceAs Champions, they see themselves as role models, widely recognised as a supporter and champion of diversity and inclusion with a key role to play in embedding diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the Home Office. The Home Office views this as an opportunity to make a real difference to the experience of our people, ensuring an inclusive Home Office that values the contribution of everyone.

Members: Correspondence

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Wolverhampton South West of 3 November 2016 on representation of the Special Constabulary, reference ZA5692.

Brandon Lewis: The Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service replied to right hon. Member in a letter dated 25 November 2016.

Visas: Overseas Students

Paul Scully: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many students have been granted short-term study visas to study English in the UK in the last year for which figures are available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Published information on applications for short term study (previously referred to as 'student visitor') visas is published in table vi_01_q (Visa data tables volume 1) in 'Immigration Statistics, July-September 2016', available from the Home Office website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-july-to-september-2016/list-of-tables

Home Office: Yorkshire and the Humber

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department and its arms-length departmental bodies have spent on (a) staffing, (b) other revenue costs and (c) capital expenditure in the current fiscal year in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sarah Newton: The Department does not publish part year financial data nor does it record or hold data in the specific way requested. Details of Departmental and ALB spend and planned spend on (a) Staffing, (b) other revenue costs and (c) capital expenditure are detailed by financial from 2011-12 through to 2019-20 can be found in the Home Office “Core Data Tables”. However this is not held or published by region.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/539813/CoreDataTables-Gov_ods.ods

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Naz Shah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the total amount of compensation payments it has made at the request of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in each of the last five years.

Sarah Newton: I am sorry but this information is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Driving: Licensing

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what checks are made to ensure that people convicted of using an impersonator to take a written or practical driving test do not continue to drive using a fraudulently obtained driving licence.

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been investigated by police forces for impersonating a candidate and taking their written or practical driving test for them by police force area in each of the last five years.

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been investigated by police forces for using an impersonator to take a written or practical driving test for them by police force area in each of the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold the information requested centrally. This is an operational mater for the police and other partner agencies.

Domestic Violence

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on continuing direct grant funding from her Department to support independent domestic violence advisers and multi-agency risk assessment conference coordinators after March 2017.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with local authorities, other commissioners and the voluntary and community sector on planned changes to funding arrangements for independent domestic violence advisers and multi-agency risk assessment conference coordinators from March 2017.

Sarah Newton: In March 2016 we published our Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for 2016-2020, which sets out an ambitious programme of reform, supported by increased funding of £80 million.As set out in the Strategy, from April 2017 we will move from supporting individual Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) and multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) coordinator posts, to a model of supporting community-led services which encourage new approaches through the £15 million VAWG Service Transformation Fund which was announced on 7 December 2016.This will help promote better collaboration and joint leadership, encourage new approaches incorporating early intervention, and establish and embed the best ways to help victims, survivors and their families. We have consulted widely with the voluntary and community sector and statutory stakeholders in the development of both the strategy and the Transformation Fund and we will continue to work with the women’s sector to monitor the level of IDVA and MARAC provision.

Overseas Students

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Ealing Central and Acton of 21 October 2016 to Question 48536, on overseas students, if her Department will undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the economic contribution that net student migration makes to the UK economy.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Government recognises that international students make an important contribution during their time here, and they help make our education system one of the best in the world. The UK remains the second most popular destination in the world for international higher education students. There is no limit on the number of genuine international students who can come to the study to UK.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many current European citizens applying for permanent residency in the UK have had their applications rejected since 23 June 2016.

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many European citizens applying for permanent residency in the UK have had their applications rejected between 6 May 2015 and 23 June 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Statistics on decisions on applications for Documents Certifying Permanent Residence issued to EEA nationals are published quarterly in table ee_02_q of Immigration Statistics. These cover the period including 2015 and 2016 to September, and include data for grants, refusals and invalid applications (hence rejected). The most recent edition (European Economic Area data tables Immigration Statistics July to September 2016) is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/572387/eea-q3-2016-tables.ods

Refugees: Sponsorship

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many refugees have been supported through the Community Sponsorship scheme since that scheme was launched.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The number of people who have been resettled under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement scheme is published in the quarterly Home Office immigration statistics. Since the scheme began in January 2014 a total of 4,414 people have been resettled in the UK to the end of September 2016. The figure includes those Syrians resettled with a community sponsor during this period. The refugees that we are bringing to the United Kingdom are very vulnerable people. Our prime concern is their safety and protection as they arrive in this country. We want to protect their privacy and ensure their recovery and integration, as they rebuild their lives in safe and secure surroundings, among supportive communities in the UK. We will, therefore, not be providing a running commentary on numbers that have been resettled with a community sponsor.

HM Treasury

LIBOR: Fines

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2016 to Question 56783, how decisions on the allocation of monies from LIBOR fines between facilities based at MoD sites, MoD events and registered charities were made; and who in his Department was responsible for those decisions.

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2016 to Question 56783, if he will publish the eligibility criteria for applying for funding from LIBOR fines for military charities.

Mr David Gauke: The commitment of LIBOR fines to 'support Armed Forces and Emergency Services charities and other related good causes that represent those that demonstrate the very best of values’ is subject to a robust governance process. This utilises grant making experts, the Charity Commission and the Government New Grants Advice Panel (NGAP) to ensure that appropriate due diligence is conducted on all applications for support. In addition the grant team consult relevant Government Departments and other Grant Making Bodies, such as The Heritage Lottery Fund. This process satisfies the mandated requirements of the ‘Minimum Standards for Government Grants’ which were introduced following the report in to The Kids Company by the Parliamentary Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC), which came into force on 1st December 2016. Each application is considered both on its individual merits and holistically for any impact across its particular sector. Once this process is complete, the assessment overview is passed to the Treasury and matched against the available funding, prior to final endorsement by both the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Chancellor of Exchequer.  The eligibility criteria for applying for funding was published on the GOV.UK website on 23 August 2016 and is repeated below: ‘to support Armed Forces and Emergency Services charities and other related good causes that represent those that demonstrate the very best of values.’

Northern Ireland Office

Borders: Northern Ireland

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 16 November 2016 to Question 52620, whether it is the UK's policy to claim jurisdiction of Carlingford Lough up to the high water mark on its County Lough coast after the UK leaves the EU.

James Brokenshire: There has been a historical dispute between the UK and Irish Governments in relation to Carlingford Lough dating back to the 1920s. The UK Government’s longstanding position is that the northern side of the Lough forms part of the UK. In practice the regulation of activities is the responsibility of the Loughs Agency, a North-South body established under the Belfast Agreement which is supported by the UK and Irish Governments.

Department for International Trade

Overseas Companies: Eritrea

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of UK-based companies operating in Eritrea.

Mark Garnier: We are currently aware of two UK companies operating in Eritrea. The Government of Eritrea places restrictions on the number and type of international businesses that are allowed to operate in the country.

Exports: Eritrea

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many export licences to Eritrea the Government has issued to UK-based companies in each of the last three years.

Mark Garnier: The Government has granted the following numbers of strategic export (dual use) licences in the last 3 years:2014: 12015: 12016: 3Licensing data of this nature is routinely published as official statistics on www.gov.uk.

Overseas Trade: Zambia

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps the Government is taking to promote trade between the UK and Zambia.

Mark Garnier: The Department for International Trade (DIT) has a dedicated trade promotion officer in Zambia. In addition, trade promotion activity across Southern Africa is coordinated regionally through the ‘hub’ in Johannesburg from where additional support is provided, including sector-specific expertise.DIT provides support to UK companies considering investment in Zambia, ranging from oil and gas exploration to sustainable farming opportunities. In 2016, the Department, delivered a Mining Mission to Zambia, linking UK-based businesses with Zambian counterparts. Furthermore, a British Chamber of Commerce has been established which provides support for British companies seeking business opportunities in Zambia.

Investment

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he plans to include the issue of corporate responsibility to respect human rights in international investment agreements after the UK leaves the EU.

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that human rights considerations are included in the negotiation of future international trade and investment agreements.

Greg Hands: Until the UK leaves the EU, we will remain subject to EU trade & investment agreements and policy, of which human rights is a fundamental principle. The UK has a strong history of protecting human rights and promoting our values globally. We will in due course consider all options in the design of future bilateral trade and investment agreements.

Trade Promotion: Finance

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the annual budget is for the GREAT campaign.

Greg Hands: The annual budget for the GREAT Britain campaign is £60million.To date, the campaign has secured confirmed economic returns of £2.2bn for the UK, a return of 20:1 on investment. A further £2.1bn is currently being independently audited. The National Audit Office recently reviewed and commended the campaign.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Chemicals: EU Law

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the application in the UK of standards under the REACH  regulation on the sale of chemicals.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: As we start the process of leaving the EU, we will aim to deliver a stable and clear legislative framework for the continued effective management of chemicals, including maintaining standards that underpin trade and the protection of human health and the environment, and deliver on our international commitments.

Flood Control

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Government plans to publish a Flood Resilience Review addressing the risks of flooding from surface water.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: In the National Flood Resilience Review we prioritised looking at the greatest flood risks facing the country - river and coastal flooding. The government recognises that surface water flooding can also be a significant source of flooding and we will be considering this in more detail during 2017.

Food: Prices

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of rising food prices on average household budgets.

George Eustice: Year on year food prices have continued to fall, with a 2% fall over the last 12 months, according to the most recent official Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures released on 13 December. General inflation is 1.2 per cent, up from 0.9 per cent in October. Food prices rose by 0.4% in the month to November 2016. However, overall, food prices have fallen by 7% since their peak in February 2014. Commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices are known to be the most important drivers of retail food price inflation. This Government is committed to tackling poverty and disadvantage and to delivering real social reform, and we believe that economic growth and employment offer the best route to give people a better future. Household spend on food by households with the lowest 20% income is included in the Living Cost of Food Survey (LCFS) and has remained constant at around 16.5% for a number of years. The Government helps the most vulnerable afford and have access to nutritious food though initiatives such as the Healthy Start scheme and Free School Meals, and through the welfare system.

Hunting

David Mackintosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help prevent the hunting to extinction of endangered species.

David Mackintosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to prohibit the importation of trophies secured from the killing of (a) lions, (b) elephants and (c) other mammals in African countries.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) legal rules are in place to ensure that any international movement of trophies from the hunting of endangered species can only take place if the hunt is assessed as not having a detrimental impact on the survival of the species. In light of growing concerns about the sustainability of the hunting of some species, we have worked with EU Member States to introduce stricter controls on the importation of hunting trophies of certain endangered species, including lions and African elephants. As a result, the importation of hunting trophies of certain species from certain countries is currently prohibited. We have also been pressing for tough, transparent, global standards for the hunting of protected species. I attended the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES where Parties agreed to remove the loophole that allowed such trophies to be transported as personal effects. As a result, export permits will be needed for almost all hunted animals of endangered species included in Appendix II of CITES, including lions and African elephants, as well as those in Appendix I. Building on this, we agreed clear criteria the exporting country should consider when assessing that the hunt was both legal and sustainable before issuing an export permit. Finally, in the case of lions and African elephants, the UK has to then confirm that we agree with this assessment and issue a corresponding permit before any import can take place. As a result, we secured greater scrutiny of trade in trophies to ensure the sustainability of exports. We will continue to monitor the impact of trophy hunting and will work to put in place greater protection, including prohibiting imports, if this is shown to be needed.

Elephants: India

David Mackintosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on ensuring elephants are given the highest level of international protection.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The UK Government is committed to tackling the crisis facing the African elephant from poaching and illegal trafficking. We fully support the existing global ban on ivory trade. The UK has discussed the global level of protection afforded to the elephant with EU Member States on numerous occasions. In particular, the proposal submitted to the 17th meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to include all populations of African elephant in Appendix I was debated in EU CITES meetings in preparation for CoP17.

Packaging: Waste

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2016 to Question 56277, what the evidential basis is for the target figures for 2018 and 2019; and if she will make a statement.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The evidential base for the estimated packaging target recycling and recovery rates for 2018 and 2019 forms part of the Impact Assessments for consultations on packaging recycling and recovery targets, which can be found at: consult.defra.gov.uk/waste/packagingtargets2018-20.

Flood Control

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2.151 and table 1.10 of the Autumn Statement 2015, Cm 9162, how much in planned efficiency savings will fund the capital funding for flood protection in each year from 2016-17 to 2020-21.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: All of the efficiency savings will be reinvested in the Government’s six year capital investment programme to better protect homes and businesses across England. The table below summarises the Environment Agency’s forecast for these efficiency savings: 2016/17£39.4 million2017/18£48.4 million2018/19£46.0 million2019/20£43.9 million2020/21£41.8 million

Food: Trade Promotion

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to support food and drink supply chains through the Great campaign.

George Eustice: Defra is working with the Department for International Trade to deliver a shared International Action Plan, launched in October, to drive exports of British food and drink. This will be supported by a campaign under the ‘Food is GREAT’ pillar to encourage UK producers, throughout the supply chain, to export more and to build global recognition of UK excellence in food and drink.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Yorkshire and the Humber

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much her Department and its arms-length departmental bodies have spent on (a) staffing, (b) other revenue costs and (c) capital expenditure in the current fiscal year in Yorkshire and the Humber.

George Eustice: Information on the total amount of current and capital expenditure on services by organisation in Yorkshire and the Humber is publicly available on gov.uk as part of the Country and Regional Analysis statistical release. This information covers 2011-12 through to 2015-16 and can be found at the following web link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/country-and-regional-analysis-2016Information specifically on spend on staffing in Yorkshire and the Humber can only be provided at disproportionate cost.